Help Us Give A Brave Teen A Home

Hi everyone,

A little over a month ago, my daughter asked if her friend could come over. What I didn’t expect was a 15-year-old arriving at my door with suitcases, fleeing an abusive home and terrified of what the summer might bring without school as an escape.

He’s faced unimaginable abuse — forced fasting, violent beatings, and hours-long punishments disguised as prayer. He feared being locked in that home all summer. Worst of all, he felt like suicide might be his only way out.

He asked to stay with us. I said yes — because no child should feel unsafe or unwanted.

I’ve done everything I can to keep him fed, safe, and stable. Up to now, despite my efforts, the system has failed him, though we're still trying. He’s too young for most government help, and legal guardianship takes time. The only alternative is a youth shelter while waiting on a list for a spot in a temporary group home.

That’s not a route I’d want for any kid.

I’m still working on getting everything aligned to access available government programs though there are some aspects unique to his situation causing delays so that help won’t be forthcoming anytime soon. Having spent 2 years recovering financially from our home flooding, an unfortunate move to an apartment with a huge cockroach infestation, another move, all within a matter of a few months in 2023, the costs associated with just feeding a growing 15 yr old boy for the last month, have me behind again financially. Making it clear to me that no matter how much I want to, I cannot continue to meet his future needs alone.

That’s why I’m asking for help.

He would like to stay with us permanently so I’ve set the financial goal using a median estimate of costs to raise a teenager for a year here in Alberta, as it could be that long before we can sort out all of the logistics involved. I will use the funds for his continued care and hope that at some point in the future he (or we) will be able to access some of the government aid afforded every other Canadian parent with kids, and any remaining funds will be placed into an education fund for him. He wants to be a doctor!

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that God helps those who help themselves. So that is what I am attempting to do, and am grateful that technology has given us ways to access the global village. I know all too well what it's like to fear going home as a child, how financially challenging things are today, and how precariously balanced my own household is financially. With that in mind, I set aside my ego or pride, and ask that only if you absolutely can spare it, your contribution would be so appreciated. I understand that many may be unable to contribute financially, but you would be contributing greatly in another way if you’d be willing to spare a moment and share this with everyone you can.

…and if you do it within 1 minute of reading, you’ll have 3 wishes granted over the next 30 days…I’m kidding!! …but then again, who knows? ;)

Any help is so very appreciated!